Chad Gilbert
A punk rock architect who helped shape the sound of 2000s pop-punk with sharp riffs and anthemic energy.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American musician and record producer·Birthday: March 9·Millennials
Biography
Chad Gilbert’s life has been a soundtrack of distortion and dedication. Growing up in Florida, he found his tribe in the hardcore scene, lending his raw vocals to Shai Hulud as a teenager. But his true legacy was forged with New Found Glory, the band he co-founded. As lead guitarist, his catchy, driving riffs became a defining element of their sound, providing the backbone for a generation of pop-punk anthems. Beyond the stage, Gilbert carved a parallel path as a record producer, using his keen ear to shape albums for bands like A Day To Remember and The Movielife. His career is a testament to a dual passion: creating the noise himself and helping others refine theirs, all while maintaining a deep, authentic connection to the punk community that raised him.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chad was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chad Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Chad's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-founded and has been the lead guitarist for the influential pop-punk band New Found Glory since its inception.
- Produced hit albums for other major punk and metalcore acts, including A Day To Remember's 'Homesick'.
- Served as the lead vocalist for the influential hardcore band Shai Hulud across two separate periods.
- Founded the side-project International Superheroes of Hardcore, showcasing a faster, more aggressive musical style.
Did You Know?
He is married to musician and paramedic Lisa Cimorelli, a member of the band Cimorelli.
Gilbert is a survivor of a rare and serious heart cancer called cardiac spindle cell sarcoma.
He is an avid fan of horror movies and has referenced them in his music and side projects.
He launched a successful podcast about pop-punk and hardcore music called 'Lead Singer Syndrome'.
“I wanted to write songs that made kids in their cars scream the words.”
